(SFC) The International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s
Coordination Commission finished its ninth and penultimate meeting in Rio,
yesterday (August 10-12, 2015). The Commission praised the teamwork between the
Rio 2016 Organizing Committee and its local government partners to successfully deliver the first pre-Games
test events.

IOC Coordination Commission
Chair, Nawal El Moutawakel stated, "With less than one year to go until the
opening of the Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, we have been delighted with
the unity of spirit and mission that is driving 'Team Brazil' to deliver a
successful first wave of test events...This common desire to succeed is
manifesting itself through excellent test events held in Olympic venues, as
well as in operations that are receiving praise from athletes and International
Federations alike...The work to deliver important infrastructure and social legacies
like the venues, public transport improvements, and educational initiatives
continues at full speed. I for one believe that people will certainly speak of a Rio de Janeiro before the
Games and a Rio de Janeiro after the Games."

During last week's one-year-to-go event, Brazil President,
Dilma Rousseff participated, which showcased the integration and unity between
the different government bodies and Rio 2016. The unity and integration
continued to be shown during the
Commission meetings as all levels of
government were represented. Rio Mayor, Eduardo Paes and Rio Governor, Luiz
Fernando Pezão both solidify their commitment to delivering a successful Games
in 2016. The Brazilian Olympic Committee also joined the meetings were they shared
their plans to prepare a competitive home team for the Games and to extend the
elite sporting legacy of the 2016 Games to future editions.

President of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, Carlos
Arthur Nuzman commented, "This was the most important Coordination Commission
that we have had so far. I say this because of the advanced state of our
preparations and the ever-increasing
integration between the IOC, Rio 2016 and our partners in the federal, state
and city governments."

During their visit, the Commission visited the Olympic golf
course and the Barra Olympic Park, which gave them a chance to appreciate the significant progress made since
their last visit in February. Also apparent was the Games legacy, as the
Commission entered the Future Arena that will be dismantled after the Games and
turned into four schools.

In addition, the
Commission learned about various programs that will impact millions of lives
and leave a positive Games legacy. They heard about such programs as the Rio de
Janeiro 2016 Transforma education
program, which will reach around 7 million children nationwide, and the program
to provide 10,000 free English courses to taxi drivers in Rio.

The Commission was also given
updates by the organizers and their partners in areas including athlete and
National Olympic Committee (NOC) services, media operations, transport, the
Paralympic Games, technology, sport and International Federation (IF) services,
and marketing.

The Coordination Commission will make their final visit next
year. Until then, the Rio organizers will continue to receive support from the
IOC with expert and Project Review visits.

** MARISSA FLANDERS is a graduate of Saint Leo University with a
Bachelor's Degree in Sport Business. She has over four years of writing
experience and has a real passion for ice hockey following the Pittsburgh
Penguins on her blog www.thepenshockeyshow.com.

All original materials contained in this section are protected by United States copyright law and may not
be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written
permission of Sports Features Communications, Inc the owner of that content. It is prohibited to alter
or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content.

This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), United States
Olympic Committee (USOC), or the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of any country.

Disclaimer Notice: By providing links to other Web Sites, Sports Features Communications® does
not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these web sites, nor does a link
indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked Web Site to http://www.sportsfeatures.com.